6 of the most surprising World Cup results in recent memory

#1 Senegal 1 France 0 (2002)

Senegal beat a hapless French side

On May 31, 2002, Senegal shocked the world by beating reigning world and European champions France in the opening match. The French were overwhelming favourites after their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs.

The French threatened to score early on with striker David Trezeguet crashing his shot against the right post. Henry and Patrick Viera also squandered their chances with efforts straight at goalkeeper Tony Sylva.

Speedy El-Hadji Diouf was tormentor-in-chief as the French played without inspirational superstar Zinadene Zidane. Diouf made one of his trademark runs on the left wing in the 30th minute and sliced a low cross that left goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and Emmanuel Petit in a defensive mix up. This allowed Papa Diop to collect the spoils and apply the finish into an open net.

Senegal would go on to reach a historic quarter-final while France unceremoniously crashed out in the group stage.